Australian police are actively searching for a heavily armed man suspected of fatally shooting two officers in Porepunkah, a rural town approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Melbourne. The shooting occurred on Tuesday when ten police officers responded to a property to execute a warrant related to alleged sexual offenses.
The suspect has been identified as Dezi Freeman, a 56-year-old local resident, and he remains at large. Following the incident, law enforcement has deployed officers, a helicopter, and armored vehicles to the area, advising local residents to remain indoors until the suspect is apprehended.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush stated that all available resources are being utilized in the search and urged the public to remain vigilant for their safety. Meanwhile, details have emerged regarding the two officers who lost their lives; one was a 59-year-old detective and the other a 35-year-old senior constable. Their identities will not be disclosed until relatives have been informed. A third officer was injured during the incident but has undergone surgery and is expected to recover, though his injuries are reported to be serious.
Reports about Freeman allegedly taking his family hostage have been addressed by police, who confirmed that his partner and children are safe. Despite extensive searching, authorities have not seen Freeman since he fled the scene, with efforts focusing on a densely wooded area near his home. Bush emphasized that Freeman may be familiar with the terrain, complicating the search.
While there are unconfirmed reports suggesting Freeman identifies as a “sovereign citizen,” police have stated it is premature to discuss his beliefs. This incident has raised broader questions about the handling of extremist views by authorities, drawing comparisons to a previous attack on police in Queensland. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and stressed the need for vigilance in addressing such threats.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g6wlxd5kko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss